Watford boss Roy Hodgson says he'd long accepted relegation after it was confirmed in defeat at Crystal Palace.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the game, Hodgson took exception to the media saying Watford's relegation had been confirmed at Palace, saying he considered his side's return to the Championship to be rubber-stamped after the loss to Burnley.
"My emotions are more veering towards the reception [from the Palace supporters] because we were relegated last week," said Hodgson, who also outlined his belief that Watford's squad are capable of securing an immediate top-flight return next season.
"I don't quite understand why the mass media continue to suggest that it's only today we were relegated. When we lost the last game and were 12 points behind two or three teams and with a much inferior goal difference, even the greatest optimist in the world would have suggested, well, that's probably it as far as we're concerned.
"So today I'm doubly pleased. I'm delighted with the reception from the fans - that really touches my heart - and I'm so pleased they feel I was able to be of use to the club during my time here.
"But I'm also very pleased with the team's performance because that was a very tough game for us."
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